Leeds United will hope to pick up their first Premier League win of the season when they face West Ham United at Elland Road on Saturday.
The Whites have a tough task ahead of them as the Hammers have been superb this season yet again, winning two and drawing two of their opening five league games. They dumped out Manchester United in the League Cup on Wednesday, and will be full of confidence heading into the clash against Leeds United.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are currently a point above the relegation zone and could drop to the bottom three if they lose and other results go against them. The Hammers did the double over Leeds last season, winning 2-1 and 2-0.
Team News
Marcelo Bielsa could be without the services of several first-team stars for Saturday’s game. Defenders Robin Koch and Diego Llorente will be out due to injury, while Pascal Struijk is suspended. Jack Harrison will be unavailable after testing positive for COVID-19.
Patrick Bamford could also miss out on this weekend’s league game after sustaining an ankle injury. Defender Luke Ayling and winger Raphinha could face late fitness tests ahead of the West Ham game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Leeds United team for the game against West Ham United.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs West Ham United
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier should start between the sticks for Leeds United against West Ham United once again.
Defence
Koch, Llorente and Struijk’s absence means that youngster Charlie Cresswell should continue at the back after a solid performance against Fulham in the League Cup. Liam Cooper should return to the Leeds United lineup and start alongside the 19-year-old.
Stuart Dallas played in midfield in the League Cup, but he should move to the right-back slot if Luke Ayling is not fit. Junior Firpo should start in the left-back position. Jamie Shackleton is an option at right-back.
Midfield
Kalvin Phillips started at the back against Fulham, but he should return to his natural defensive midfield position against West Ham United.
Mateusz Klich was a second-half substitute in the League Cup but he should return to the Leeds United lineup. Tyler Roberts should start as the attacking midfielder in the Leeds team.
The likes of Shackleton and Adam Forshaw are other options for Bielsa in midfield.
Attack
If Patrick Bamford isn’t fit, Rodrigo should start as the main forward for Bielsa’s team against West Ham. Daniel James, who had a good game in the League Cup, should start on the left side. If Raphinha isn’t ready for Saturday’s game, Crysencio Summerville might start on the right.
Predicted Leeds United Lineup vs West Ham United